Two Visually Impaired Persons Abducted by Gunmen in Plateau, Kidnappers Demand N50m Ransom

Two visually impaired persons have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, with the abductors reportedly demanding N50 million for their release.

The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Shindol Aaron, disclosed the incident on Tuesday, describing the abduction as a source of concern for the association.

According to Aaron, the victims, a man and a woman, were among nine persons selected to attend a training programme in Benue State.

He explained that the group had departed Jos for the programme but received information while travelling that the event had been postponed and were instructed to return.

Aaron said the abduction occurred at about 8pm on Monday as the nine passengers were making their way back to Jos through Riyom Local Government Area.

He disclosed that seven occupants of the vehicle managed to escape, while the suspected kidnappers seized the two visually impaired passengers.

“They were nine in the vehicle. Seven of them escaped, and two were abducted. So, right now, we have a male and a lady in their custody,” he said.

Aaron added that although he had not personally spoken with the kidnappers, he was informed that they had contacted someone and demanded ransom.

Another member of the association, who confirmed the incident, said the abductors had demanded N50 million before releasing the victims.

“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50m before they could free the two persons in their custody. Where do they want us to get the money from?” the member asked.

The JONAPWD chairman said the incident had been reported to security agencies, adding that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.